Vigil planned to remember Paterno on anniversary of death

FILE - In this Sept. 4, 2004 file photo, Penn State coach Joe Paterno leads his team onto the field before an NCAA college football game against Akron in State College, Pa. On Tuesday, Jan. 22, 2013, exactly a year after his passing _ community residents have organized a vigil at a downtown mural that includes a depiction of Paterno. (AP Photo /Carolyn Kaster, File)

STATE COLLEGE — From bumper stickers to signs posted by a few businesses to the occasional T-shirt, reminders of Joe Paterno sprinkle Happy Valley.

Most cues are subtle enough to make an outsider look twice. Like the decals with the outline of the bespectacled Paterno’s distinctive face, or the shirt with the image of the longtime Penn State coach’s trademark look of rolled-up khakis and sneakers.

A year after his death, Paterno and a reputation tarnished in the aftermath of the child sex abuse scandal involving retired assistant coach Jerry Sandusky remain sensitive topics for groups of alumni, former players, staffers and community residents.

The Hall of Fame coach died of lung cancer on Jan. 22, 2012, at age 85. On Tuesday — exactly a year after his passing — community residents have organized a vigil at a downtown mural that includes a depiction of Paterno.

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A family spokesman has said the Paternos would not take part, and remain in privacy.

Their supporters, though, spoke up at a recent meeting of the university’s Board of Trustees.

Most critics are angered by how school leaders handled Paterno’s ouster as coach and the explosive findings of the internal investigation led by former FBI director Louis Freeh that put part of the blame on Paterno.

Others say the school hasn’t done enough to honor a 46-year career in which Paterno was known for focusing on academics and philanthropy as well as football.

“The university should lead the way and not sit in silence,” said Ed Stine, 62, of Gaithersburg, Md., a member of the alumni watchdog group “Penn Staters for Responsible Stewardship.” He was one at least one of at least four dozen audience members who applauded or praised speakers who paid tribute to Paterno at the meeting.

The man who built Penn State’s program into one of college football’s marquee brands was fired in November 2011, days after Sandusky’s arrest on molestation and other charges. The trustees had said Paterno was ousted in part because he had a moral obligation to pass on to police outside the university a 2002 allegation that was relayed to him by a graduate assistant.

Sandusky was convicted in June on dozens of criminal counts, allegations that authorities said occurred on and off campus. In July, former FBI director Louis Freeh accused Paterno and three former school administrators of concealing allegations against Sandusky to protect the school’s image.

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